Nuclear
Nuclear overview
Nuclear energy is undergoing a resurgence. As global investment grows, the low-carbon energy source is poised to become a key component in energy security, the energy transition and powering data centers. We help clients turn this market momentum into executable strategies and investable nuclear projects. Drawing on our experience in complex, capital-intensive energy projects, we help clients develop, structure, manage and deliver resilient nuclear assets that align with long-term policy and commercial objectives.
Our offering
Deep sector insight and end-to-end experience
We advise across major and emerging energy markets at every stage of the nuclear value chain. Our lawyers support governments, sponsors, developers, financiers, multilaterals, operators, utilities, suppliers and fuel-cycle companies on the strategic, regulatory and commercial issues affecting all types of nuclear assets and projects. This includes existing assets and new nuclear technologies—such as small and advanced modular reactors and maritime nuclear technologies. We advise on matters including:
- Mining and milling
- Material transport
- Conversion and enrichment
- Fuel fabrication and supply
- Power generation
- Defueling and decommissioning
- Recycling and reprocessing
- Waste storage and disposal
Full spectrum legal capabilities for nuclear projects
Nuclear projects demand precise coordination across multiple legal disciplines. Together with the Firm's globally integrated, multidisciplinary teams, we advise on topics including:
- Regulatory and licensing: Domestic and international frameworks, permitting and foreign investment control
- Nuclear liability: International and domestic liability regimes, indemnity and insurance arrangements, allocation of risk and interface with contractual frameworks
- Projects and procurement: Development strategies, tendering and contracting, EPC and supply chain arrangements
- Structuring and finance: Project structuring, financing arrangements and government support mechanisms
- Corporate and partnerships: M&A, joint ventures and strategic investments
- Trade and compliance: Export controls, sanctions and regulatory obligations
- Disputes and risk management: Risk analysis, claims management, litigation and arbitration
Leading on fusion energy
We advise across the development and financing of fusion projects, a rapidly evolving technology with a legal, regulatory and risk profile distinct from nuclear fission.
- Our experience includes representing investors and lenders, and advising EPC contractors.
- We contribute to the development of the legal and regulatory frameworks needed to support fusion development and deployment. Our team includes a member of the International Group of Legal Experts on Fusion Energy (FELEX) who chairs its Technical Working Group on third-party liability arising from fusion.
Complex and consequential matters
US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Dominance Financing
White & Case advised the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) under the DOE's Title XVII Energy Financing Program on the signing of a landmark loan facility of up to US$1.9 billion for NextEra’s Duane Arnold Energy Center, a 615 MW nuclear power plant in Linn County, Iowa. The plant is Iowa’s only nuclear facility, and the financing is a significant step in the revival of US nuclear power generation, supporting the return to service of a facility that ceased operations in 2020. The plant is positioned to sell power pursuant to long-term power purchase agreements and provide additional capacity to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.
Australian Naval Infrastructure
White & Case advised Australian Naval Infrastructure in relation to all aspects of the delivery of the nuclear-powered submarine construction yard program.
Cernavodă nuclear power plant
White & Case advised the lenders in relation to the EU legal issues relating to the refurbishment of Unit 1 (i.e., EU state aid, public procurement, Euratom Treaty and other EU law issues).
Dukovany nuclear power plant
White & Case advised Komerční banka, a.s. (member of Société Générale Group) in connection with financing of the extension of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. This financing will enable Elekrárna Dukovany II, a.s. to finance and accelerate the initial phase of construction of additional blocks of the nuclear power plant.
Duwaiheen nuclear power plant
White & Case advised the Saudi Power Procurement Company, as offtaker, in connection with the procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed 2.8 GW Duwaiheen nuclear power plant to be located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to be composed of two 1.4 GW nuclear reactor units.
Great British Nuclear
White & Case advised Great British Nuclear (GBN) on the 2025 procurement for the UK's new small modular reactor fleet. We advised GBN and HMG on all procurement law, subsidy control and public law aspects of the £20 billion project from the design stage through to receipt of final bids and subsidy control clearance.
Korean Nuclear Association
White & Case advised the Korean Nuclear Association on US export control regulations regarding the transfer of nuclear dual-use items for peaceful purposes.
Kozloduy nuclear power plant
White & Case advised Kozloduy NPP – New Build and the Republic of Bulgaria in relation to the state aid notification and compliance with EU law concerning the construction and operation of two new nuclear units at the existing nuclear site of Kozloduy, Bulgaria. (CEE Deal of the Year Award – 2026).
Lynxeo
White & Case advised Lynxeo on its negotiation with EDF of a contract to supply cables for nuclear projects in France and abroad.
SHINE Technologies
White & Case advised the lender on the US$2.63 million conditional commitment to SHINE Technologies for the construction of a high-volume medical isotope production facility in Wisconsin, which will utilize innovative nuclear fusion technology.
